Organizations offering aid for people with lupus: Key facts to consider
Support Groups Offer Solace for Lupus Patients in the United States
Living with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, can be challenging due to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and joint pain, which may not be visible to others. However, sharing and spending time with others going through the same or similar experiences may help a person to manage their condition. In the United States, there are numerous support groups available for people with lupus, both online and in-person.
One of the most recognized virtual support groups is the Lupus SoCal Virtual Support Group. This weekly gathering offers community support for lupus patients, friends, and family. Meetings take place online via platforms like Zoom, and they occur every Wednesday from 5:30 - 6:30 PM PT.
For those seeking holistic support, the Faces of Lupus Organization provides an online platform that focuses on physical, mental, and social aspects of living with lupus. They offer health, wellness, and financial assistance programs for lupus patients, empowering individuals and fostering a sense of community.
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) has multiple chapters across the U.S. that offer support, education programs, and resources. Many LFA chapters host in-person support group meetings as well as educational symposiums that include peer support and lupus education. For instance, the Indiana LFA chapter offers free support group meetings and annual events with experts in lupus care.
For adolescents, males, caregivers, and pregnant people, LupusConnect offers online forums specifically tailored to their needs. People can also search for their local LupusConnect support group via the Lupus Foundation of America website.
Lupus Warriors is a Facebook group with over 13,000 members, providing emotional support, sharing information, and a place to ask questions. Other online communities, such as MyLupusTeam and The Mighty, offer a way for people to access support and share experiences with others.
Local hospitals, rheumatology clinics, and lupus specialists often have listings or can refer patients to nearby support groups. National lupus research and advocacy organizations also provide directories and resources to connect patients with support communities.
It's important to note that the Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 25 in 100 people with lupus experience depression, and 37 in 100 have anxiety. If a person feels they may have depression as a result of their lupus symptoms, they should contact a mental health professional for advice and support.
In addition to support groups, spouses and loved ones can join groups like Lupus Warriors and some local chapters of the Lupus Foundation of America provide support for loved ones. The Lupus Foundation of New England, for example, offers free support groups in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire (telephone only).
In summary, these groups provide a mix of peer support, education, resources, and community both online and in-person. The Lupus Foundation of America chapters especially offer wide geographic coverage and structured support programs, while organizations like Faces of Lupus specialize in holistic and mental health support online. For those seeking more specific support, groups like LupusConnect and Lupus Warriors cater to various demographics and offer a nurturing environment for those affected by lupus.
[1] Lupus SoCal Virtual Support Group: https://www.lupussc.org/support-groups/ [2] Faces of Lupus Organization: https://www.faceoflupus.org/ [3] Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) State Chapters: https://www.lupus.org/get-involved/chapters [4] LupusConnect: https://www.lupusconnect.org/ [5] MyLupusTeam: https://www.mylupusteam.com/ [6] The Mighty: https://themighty.com/ [7] Lupus Foundation of New England: https://www.lupusnewengland.org/ [8] Symptoms of depression: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007 [9] Hospital for Special Surgery in New York: https://www.hss.edu/conditions_lupus.asp [10] Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus: https://www.kflupus.org/ [11] Lupus Warriors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LupusWarriors/ [12] LupusLine: https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupusline [13] Charla da Lupus: https://www.lupus.org/resources/charla-da-lupus [14] Teen and Parent Chat Groups: https://www.lupus.org/resources/teen-and-parent-chat-groups [15] LANtern (Lupus Asian Network): https://www.lupus.org/resources/lantern [16] Lupus Foundation of America's local chapters: https://www.lupus.org/get-involved/chapters
- To manage chronic kidney disease, a type of chronic disease, one may consider seeking therapies and treatments that can aid in maintaining eye health, a crucial aspect of health and wellness.
- The holistic approach of organizations like Faces of Lupus can incorporate fitness and exercise, nutrition, and mental health therapies to tackle type-2 diabetes, a common medical condition found in persons with lupus.
- Managing neurological disorders, like migraines, may require skin care regimens tailored to alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups, thereby improving overall skin conditions.
- Supplementing medical treatments with cbd products may help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, providing relief during workdays in the workplace-wellness environment.
- In addition to traditional support groups, social media can offer a platform to share experiences, exchange advice, and seek community among others struggling with chronic diseases, such as lupus, type-2 diabetes, and neurological disorders.
- Entertainment media can serve as an escape for individuals managing their condition, providing a source of comfort during difficult times and a distraction from the daily challenges of life with chronic diseases.
- Online forums for skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, can offer a space to seek advice and share experiences with others to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- The Lupus Foundation of America's LupusLine provides information and assistance to individuals seeking support and resources, addressing questions related to depression, anxiety, and much more.
- Resources such as Charla da Lupus offer Spanish-speaking lupus patients educational content and emotional support, fostering inclusivity for those whose primary language is not English.
- LANtern (Lupus Asian Network) provides bilingual support and resources to the Asian lupus community, addressing the unique challenges faced by people of Asian descent with lupus.
